PVL: Risa Sato arrival a big boost for Chery Tiggo, says Norman Miguel

Risa Sato brings her championship from Creamline Cool Smashers as she bolsters the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Chery Tiggo is looking forward to the positive energy and championship experience that Risa Sato brings to the Crossovers as the  2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference resumes Saturday.

After winning four of their first six games despite the exit of EJ and Eya Laure and Buding Duremdes, the Crossovers bolstered their roster heading into the New Year with Sato joining their team.

READ: PVL All-Filipino resumption: what happened and what to expect

Chery Tiggo coach Norman Miguel, who coached Sato in the UAAP, is thrilled to reunite with the Filipino-Japanese player after five years.

“We are happy and excited to have Risa Sato as the latest inclusion to our team,” Miguel told Inquirer Sports. “As a coach, I have always been a believer of her with her ball control skills and most importantly her championship experience.”

Bringing her experience from Creamline with 10 titles, the veteran middle blocker will stabilize Chery Tiggo’s core with Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Shaya Adorador and Pauline Gaston.

Sato will also reunite NU teammates Jennifer Nierva, Cess Robles, Jasmine Nabor, and Joyme Cagande.

“Her experience together with our players, especially [her] championship experience will boost the team’s morale and motivation,” Miguel said.

Miguel said they won’t rush Sato’s progress with the Crossovers.

“As a rebuilding team, slowly we’ll do whatever it takes to be where we want us to be. [We’ll be there] at the right time,” he said.

Chery Tiggo returns to action on January 21 against Petro Gazz at Philsports Arena.